Marriages fall amid recession

U.S. – The number of marriages in the U.S. has reportedly hit a record low as a result of the economic downturn. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), the recession has also widened the income gap and spurned record high levels for food stamp requests.

Mark Mather, associate vice president of the Population Reference Bureau, is quoted by the AP as stating, “Millions of people are stuck at home because they can’t find a job. Poverty increased in a majority of states, and children have been hit especially hard.”

As noted in the report, in 2009, marriages had fallen to 52 percent from 57 percent of adults aged 18 and older reported in 2000. Mather is further quoted as stating, “indicators say we’re in recovery, but the impact on families and children will linger on for years.”